Types of Home Security Systems

Having a home security system in today’s world is not just a good idea – it’s essential.

The world is a dangerous place. There are more than two million burglaries committed in the United States each year. You don’t want to take a chance that you are one of the lucky ones.

Having a great security system can make a big difference in how you feel. You will be at peace when you go to sleep at night. You will feel confident when you head out to work in the morning.

Knowing that your home, your family, and your property is safe is peace of mind that everyone deserves.

Of course, when you look at the different options on the market for these security systems, it can get overwhelming rather quickly.

Let’s look at the various types of home security systems that are out there and break them down into simple to understand chunks. This will help you on your journey to choosing a quality system that’s right for you and your home.

Local Alarms

A local alarm system is the most basic type of alarm system you can get.

They are unmonitored and they are very simple. They include sensors, which you place on your doors and windows.

The sensors have two parts, similar to the wired and wireless systems. The only difference is that they aren’t actually connected to a control panel. They are individual. This type of system may also include motion detectors.

The concept is quite simple. When the circuit is broken, an alarm sounds. The alarm sound actually comes right from the sensor itself.

Later, we’ll go into the pros and cons of this system, as well as all of the other options.

Wired Alarm Systems

The wired alarm systems are a traditional option that have been popular for a number of years now. This type of system includes a control panel, as well as wired sensors and motion detectors. The cameras included with this system are wired as well.

When someone or something trips the system, the alarm sounds. If the system is monitored, then the monitoring company can try to contact the homeowner or business owner, as well as emergency services.

Wireless Alarm Systems

The wireless alarm systems actually work very similarly to the wired systems. The most important difference is the absence of the wires.

When a sensor or motion detector goes off, the alarm sounds. If the system is monitored, you and the authorities can be notified.

Of course, the details depend on the provider you have chosen for monitoring and the system you have in place. Even though it is wireless, it is possible to get cameras with the system as well.

Pros and Cons of Local Alarms

The only real advantage that the local alarms have is their cost.

These systems can often be found in departments stores and online for well under a $100. They are also extremely easy to install.

They usually come with batteries, and then you just need to place them around your home on the windows and doors according to the directions.

While these are easy and cost effective, they don’t really add much in the way of security.

There is no monitoring, and these types of alarms are relatively easy to disable. It could be a temporary option for those one a budget. If you are saving up for an actual wired or wireless system, you could use it for a short time. however, it’s the weakest of your choices.

Pros and Cons of Wired Alarm Systems

The wired alarm systems are definitely a step up from the local alarms. These devices have a lower price than the wireless systems, and since they are wired, you don’t have to worry about batteries to power the system.

However, there are certainly some drawbacks to this type of system as well. One of the biggest drawbacks is the installation process. Unless the home is already set up for the wiring from a previous owner, you need to drill holes in your wall to accommodate the system.

If you eventually plan to move out of the home, the system is much more difficult to take along with you. It’s possible, it just takes longer, and you have to go through the setup process again at your new place.

Pros and Cons of Wireless Alarm Systems

The wireless security systems are starting to become very popular for homeowners and renters alike.

These systems are easy to take with you when you move. Just pack up the items, move them to your new place, and hook everything up again. The installation tends to be very easy. This means even those who are not technologically savvy can use these systems.

Even though it is possible to install on your own, you might still want to work with a professional installer. They can make sure that everything is set up properly the first time.

While these are a good option for many people, there are some potential drawbacks that you need to know.

First, these work on batteries, and that means you need to remember to replace those batteries. The batteries they use are high quality though, so you will only have to change them once every couple of years.

Also, the equipment for the wireless systems costs more than the wired systems.

What’s the Best Type of Security System for Your House?

If you own your own home, or if you are renting a house, then you will likely want to choose a wireless security system. It’s the easiest option in most cases.

However, if the home is already wired for a system, you might find that it’s a faster and easier solution to go wired instead. You will want to stay away from the local alarms.

What’s the Best Type of Security System for Your Apartment?

That’s because they are easier to install. Those who are in apartments won’t be able to drill holes in the walls for a security system, so the wireless system makes perfect sense.

Again, the local alarms are a last resort. Of course, in a small apartment, they are definitely going to be more feasible to use than a wired system.

What’s the Best Type of Security System for Your Business?

If you have a business, you want to keep it just as safe as you do your home.

You have merchandise, information, money, and more in the business, and you can’t let thieves destroy your livelihood. You need a security system. Wireless systems can work quite well for businesses.

However, if the business is already wired for a system, you can do with a wired system. You don’t want to use local alarms here as they are ineffective. They might be able to scare off an intruder, but that’s not something you want to rely on.

There are many different manufacturers out there offering these systems and services. When you are choosing the company and the system, make sure you do plenty of research.

You want to find a company that has a great reputation for their equipment, as well as the way they treat their customers. This is especially important if you are going to be working with a company to monitor your alarm system.

Which of the Alarms Systems Can You Install on Your Own?

It is actually possible to install many of the different types of alarm systems on your own.

The local alarms take just minutes to set up, and the wireless systems are relatively easy as well.

The wired systems can be more problematic. This is especially true if you have to drill holes in your property.

It might be possible to take care of the installation of a wired system on your own. To be honest, it is rarely a good idea though.

You want to make sure it is done the right way. You do not want to make any needless holes in your home if you can help it. With wired, it is generally the smart move to hire the professionals.

Other Features to Consider

When you are looking for a home security system check and see what other features might be available. You can often find options in addition to the basics and monitoring.

Some of the companies will offer fire and carbon monoxide protection and monitoring as well. Some companies may offer glass break sensors, panic buttons, additional motion detectors, and around the clock video monitoring.

Which Alarm System Is Right for You?

As you can see, there are a number of different options when it comes to finding a system that works for your home. You have to consider many things when you are making your decision.

Think about your budget, the size of your home and whether you are renting or own the property. Also consider whether you plan to move in the near future. If you are only going to be in the property for a couple of years, it makes more sense to use a wireless system.